Travel-India

India Gate

India Gate is an important landmark located in the heart of New Delhi, the capital of India. India Gate is situated at an important crossroad near Rashtrapati Bhavan and all major roads of Lutyen’s Delhi, like the Rajpath, emerge from India Gate.

Inspired by ‘Arc de Triumphe’, located in Paris, India Gate is a 42m high arch surrounded by beautiful lush green lawns. Sandstone and granite has been used for construction of this marvelous monument.

History of India Gate

India Gate was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens who is also credited for designing most of the government buildings constructed in New Delhi under the British. The foundation stone of India Gate was laid by His Royal Highness, The Duke of Connaught, in 1921 and its construction was completed in 1931.

India Gate, originally known as All India War Memorial, was built to commemorate the 90000 soldiers of the Indian Army who laid down their lives fighting for the British during World War I.

Names of around 13516 British and Indian soldiers killed on North-West frontier in Afghan War in 1919 are inscribed on the walls and the arch of this revered memorial.

Red Sandstone Canopy

The Red sandstone canopy located next to India Gate was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1936. The sandstone canopy housed a marble statue of King George V facing west towards the residence of the then Viceroy of India, the present Rashtrapati Bhawan.

The statue has been relocated at the Coronation Memorial Park near Kingsway Camp.

Amar Jawan Jyoti (The Flame of the Immortal Soldier)

After India gained independence, India Gate became Indian Armed Forces’ Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

An eternal flame known as Amar Jawan Jyoti was lit here to honour the Amar Jawan (The Immortal Soldier). A rifle tufted by a helmet of soldier has been placed on a raised platform. ‘Amar Jawan’ is inscribed in gold on each face of the memorial’s platform.

The Amar Jawan Jyoti was unveiled by Mrs Indira Gandhi in 1971 after the great Indian Army, under General Sam Manekshaw (later, Field Marshal Manekshaw), gave a crushing defeat to Pakistan and was instrumental in the creation of Bangladesh.

The eternal flame which burns day and night under the arch pays tribute to the soldiers who lay down their lives to save the honour of their motherland and keep the Tricolour flying high!

During important state ceremonies like the Republic Day celebrations, the Prime Minister, the President of India and visiting guests pay heartfelt tribute to the Immortal soldier and a wreath-laying ceremony is held at the Amar Jawan Jyoti.

The monument is guarded and maintained by the Armed Forces. The surrounding areas are maintained by the Civic authorities.

India Gate, a picnic spot

India Gate is a popular picnic spot in Delhi. In winters, lot of people come here during daytime to soak in the sun and have a relaxed time with friends and family, while in summers India Gate turns into a favourite place to spend evenings.

The lush green lawns around India Gate with numerous trees and fountains, see a number of locals, tourists and foreigners having a good time.

A large number of mobile vendors selling fast-food, beverages, trinkets, toys and ice-creams are present along the Rajpath and around India Gate till late in the night. Boating can also be undertaken in the pools nearby. Women can also have beautiful henna designs adorn their hands and feet.

India Gate is floodlit at night. The fountains located nearby are also lit up and the area adorns a festive look.

People can be seen clicking photographs and videos to capture and record their memorable visit to this revered memorial which commemorates and honours the valour and sacrifice of the soldiers of the Great Indian Army.

India Gate is easily accessible by bus, taxis, metro trains and auto rickshaws from all corners of the city and is an important landmark which is a must visit by the tourists.

Nearest Metro Station:Kendriya Terminal

Nearest Railway station: New Delhi Railway Station

Entry Ticket Fee:Free

Open: Daily